2. Kava Has Few Side Effects

According to the 2013 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, more than one in 6 Americans take a psychiatric drug such as an antidepressant or sedative.

While antidepressants like Prozac and anti-anxiety drugs like Xanaxcan be effective at altering the balance of certain brain chemicals to help treat anxiety and depression, they also often cause a laundry list of side effects.

Taking anti-anxiety medication can lead to dependency and withdrawals, the latter of which is particularly alarming because the whole purpose of taking the medication is to reduce panic attacks and their related sudden sweating, increased heart rate and shaking - all of which are common symptoms of withdrawals.

More common side effects of anti-anxiety drugs include dizziness, nausea, difficulty concentrating, confusion, increased heart rate and decreased libido.

Kava is entirely natural and has several advantages over conventional pharmacologic treatments for anxiety. In clinical settings, it has been associated with better tolerability and lack of physiologic dependence and withdrawal. The few side effects that are associated with kava are incredibly mild and entirely reversible.

3. Kava is Safe

With no withdrawal symptoms, no impairment of judgement, and no harsh side effects, kava is one of the safest options for anxiety relief. Nevertheless, since its introduction into markets outside of the South Pacific, there has been great concern over the safety of kava. In fact, Germany and a handful of other European markets banned the sale of products containing kava in theearly 2000s due to fears that kava may cause liver toxicity.

While kava is not rigorously regulated in the United States, several leading health organizations, including the World Health Organization and American Herbal Products Association, have detailed reviews attesting to the safety of kava. And German courts overturned their country’s kava ban in 2014 after finding that the risk of using kava was not unusually high.

Countless other individual medical professionals also say taking kava for anxiety is safe and effective.

4. Kava Helps Treat Other Serious Medical Conditions

As mentioned above, individuals who suffer from anxiety are also likely to suffer from other serious medical conditions such as depression. If you suffer from more than anxiety, then you will be pleased to know that kava has been proven effective in the treatment of other medical conditions including chronic stress, depression and sleep disorders.

Kava has also been shown to reduce mood swings in women undergoing perimenopause and menopause and may help lessen cravings associated with substance dependence. Kava is even being described as a promising candidate for future research into improving attention disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

5. Kava is the Best Over the Counter Anxiety Medication

Kava can be especially attractive for people struggling with anxiety, but never went to the doctor or received a diagnosis.

Many people purchase kava because it's readily available over the counter or online. Or even better—Amazon Prime—making anxiety relief accessible and available to almost everyone.

So many people around the world have already begun to reap the benefits of taking kava for anxiety. Will you join them?

About the Author

Adam Meyers

Growing up in the back country of Northern California it felt only natural that I would lead a life built around being outdoors. A few years ago, I started my own tour and adventure company, and I feel grateful every day that I get to share these grand moments of life with other people. I hope to inspire others to seek opportunities that push themselves outside of their comfort zone.